What Jamis left behind... for us.

A few weeks ago, Jamis Buck, a programmer who had been with us for nine years, asked to meet with me and David. We grabbed a conference room, and I immediately felt something heavy in the air. Jamis told us it was time for him to move on. He’d had an incredible run, but recently he’d felt stuck. He wasn’t sure yet what he would do next – which terrified him – but he had to follow his heart.

Naturally, it was hard to hear. We love Jamis. Everyone who’s ever met Jamis loves Jamis. The guy is a model of honesty, hard work, and humility. But we knew deep down it was time. As he poured his heart out to explain, we offered no resistance, only support.

Now that Jamis has moved on and time has pushed some emotions out of the way, I’ve been thinking about his legacy here at Basecamp. On the one hand, losing Jamis means we’ve lost a cultural touchstone. Maybe you’ve had a similar experience: A key team member takes with her a piece of the company’s soul. But the situation also presents an opportunity to make sure that the person’s values stay with the company, so I sat down and tried to identify the principles of Jamis’s success. I’m not sure yet how we’ll formalize some of these things, but just reflecting on his impact will, I’m sure, help carry it forward. So here it is, the Jamis Doctrine…

Respect the Work

Jamis wrote code that was concise, clear, and thoughtful. He coded the way a great writer writes prose, which is to say he did it lovingly and invested himself in the work. Because Jamis was the second person ever to touch the Basecamp code base, his example is all over the place, and every programmer gets to learn from it. I hope his example will resonate with people in other departments, too. It’s never enough just to get the work done.

Take Time to Teach

Jamis always did. Whether that meant helping another programmer or showing someone in customer service how something worked, he was always available and eager to explain. When people wrote up their goodbyes to Jamis, many of them mentioned things he’d taught them. What a great example to follow—it’s the kind of thing that turns co-workers into a team.

Stay Hungry

Jamis took on an interesting new hobby every year. One year, he learned to make bow ties (and made some for all of us). Another year, he mastered the art of marshmallow making, and another he learned to draw (and started hand-illustrating his presentations). This past year, he decided to write 1,000 words a day. Jamis’s deep curiosity – and willingness to share it – was one of the reasons we instituted a continuing-education benefit years ago. I hope we can continue to help everyone at Basecamp pursue personal interests, because an intellectually satisfied employee is a happy one.

Do the Right Thing, Not the Easy Thing

Jamis always put what was correct before what was convenient. In nine years, I can’t remember talking to him and not feeling as if he gave me a straight answer. There’s a difference between aiming to please and aiming to please properly, and he did the latter. In many ways, it was that quality that inspired me most, and it’s especially important for me, as the boss, to embrace it.

Spread Sweetness

A box arrived today at work. In it was a short story that starred two characters named Basil and Fabian. Over the years, Jamis had written a series of weird little tales that starred these two. This time, Basil and Fabian were talking about marshmallows. There was a personal note from Jamis in the box, and nestled below that was a bag of his chocolate-covered coconut marshmallows. I ate one – OK, two – and smiled. I think everyone at the office did.

Beau

on 28 May 14

Sounds like a class act all around. Nice way to leave. Nice way to be remembered.

Charles Roper

on 28 May 14

For me, this lovely post says as much about Jason as it does Jamis. How many other managers can claim to have such deep, nuanced, vivid things to recall about a colleague? My advice to any manager would be: if you aren’t able to articulate how your people are valued as Jason has done here, then you need to spend more time really getting to know them. Understand and be mindful of the value and strengths they bring. Then tell them – ideally before they’re gone.

Thank you!

on 28 May 14

What a wonderful tribute to a person who was a good teammate and – sounds like – friend to your legacy. Thank you for sharing! I will be embracing the Jamis Doctrine.

Jamis Buck

on 28 May 14

@Charles, you’re so right. Jason is one of the most compassionate, generous, and sincere people I know. (The same absolutely goes for David, too, by the way. I think that’s a big part of why they make such a great team.) As much as Jason wants to give me credit for having an influence on the company culture, it wouldn’t have ever been possible if Jason and David hadn’t been willing to foster such an environment in the first place.

So, allow me to suggest that a round of applause be aimed back at two of the best bosses in the industry. Thanks for everything, you guys.

Glenn Meder

on 28 May 14

Classy.

GeeIWonder

on 29 May 14

This is sweet.

To my mind, it’s possible that this marks the actual transition of 37signals to Basecamp + something else (whatever Jamis does next, I am sure many will follow with interest).

An email to customers is not quite arbitrary, but this will leave a mark I think.

Anyone got any other best-ex-employee stories they want to share or link to?

Ming

on 29 May 14

Brilliant! I want to work with Jamis and the whole team right after reading this post. Everyone needs help and guidance, and the best thing that could happen in the world is being surrounded by great minds which can help you and guide you in the right direction.

Grover Saunders

on 29 May 14

Really nice to read, and good advice to boot. Thanks for this.

Tiffany

on 29 May 14

Basecamp

Why the strike-through when you wrote “and willingness to share it”?

Jason Fried

on 29 May 14

Tiffany, that was a formatting mistake. Just fixed it.

Ritto

on 30 May 14

Thanks for your sharing. The post really gives strength to me. It let me think about what can I give to my company. And I find things that I can give are not only working hard,but also teaching others and influencing cultural atmosphere.

Bryan Johnson

on 30 May 14

This is how an exceptional leader and culture rolls. Beautiful, Jason and David. Good luck Jamis.

Nate

on 30 May 14

I only had the opportunity to talk to Jamis once, when he wanted to chat about drawing, but I was struck by his earnestness and curiosity. I’m sure he will thrive in whatever he does next.

Dave Gray

on 30 May 14

Beautiful Jason, thanks for sharing this.

Russ

on 03 Jun 14

Great words, mate

This discussion is closed.

About Jason Fried

Jason co-founded Basecamp back in 1999. He also co-authored REWORK, the New York Times bestselling book on running a "right-sized" business. Co-founded, co-authored... Can he do anything on his own?